The number of women researchers in higher education in South Africa is forecasted to increase from 28.7 thousand in 2024 to 32.21 thousand by 2028. The actual value in 2023 was 27.82 thousand. The year-on-year growth rates for 2024 to 2028 are approximately 3.06%, 3.00%, 2.85%, and 2.78%, respectively. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecasted period is approximately 3.03%.
Future trends to watch for include the continuous efforts to promote gender equality and the initiatives aimed at empowering women in STEM fields. Additionally, monitoring the impact of educational policies and funding on female participation in research will be crucial. Increased collaboration between academia, industry, and government may further support this upward trend.
